Chapter: Fighting backARYA’S POVDante's cries woke me from a restless sleep, I didn’t know whether to thank him or break down in tears myself. But I was on my feet instantly, moving to his bassinet on autopilot. "Shh, baby. It's okay. Mama's here."I could tell instantly that he was hungry, his little face scrunched up and red. I lifted him, settling into the rocking chair to nurse him."Good morning, sweet boy," I murmured, stroking his soft hair. "I hope you didn’t cry for long?” He latched into my nipple, sucking greedily and I chuckled at his enthusiasm. His hair was getting longer by the day and the only thing I was grateful for was that he had more than enough necessities for his personal needs. Dante’s skin was soft and smooth, his hair was silky black and I admired the roundness of his cheek. But I couldn’t ignore the dimness in his eyes, like he also knew we were in danger.“Baby,” I whispered. “I don’t know what to-“The door burst open and Marco walked into the doorway.He was already dress
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-04-19
Chapter: Family uniteGIOVANNI’S POVThe doctor closed his medical bag with a satisfied click. "Much better, Mr. Vitale. Your vitals are stronger, the wound is healing cleanly. Another week of rest and you should be able to move around more freely."Robert, propped up against pillows in his bed, looked pale but infinitely better than he had a week ago. "A week? I'll be up and about in three days.""Robert, don't be stubborn," Isabella chided from her chair beside the bed, though relief was evident in her voice. "Listen to the doctor."Robert huffed. "I've been shot before. I know my body.""Yes, and you're not twenty anymore," I said from my position by the window. "Take the week."Robert shot me a look. "Since when do you side with the doctors?""Since you almost died and left me to deal with your wife and daughter's grief." I kept my tone light, but the memory of that first night was still too fresh."He has a point," Isabella said, squeezing Robert's hand. "You scared us."Robert's expression softened a
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-04-17
Chapter: VoicemailARYA’S POVI barely slept.Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Marco's hand around my throat or heard his voice promising to take me away somewhere I would never escape.Dante, at least, was better. The fever had broken completely during the night, and he nursed peacefully in the early morning hours. I pressed my face against his soft hair, breathing in his sweet baby scent."I'm going to get us out of here," I whispered. "I promise, sweet boy. I'm going to keep you safe."Around seven, I heard movement outside my door. Then, for the first time in a week, the lock clicked open.But no one entered. I waited, holding my breath but there was nothing.Frowning in confusion, I continued to pet Dante. I moved around my daily routine until curiousity got the better of me and I crept to the door and pulled it open.The hallway was empty. My heart pounded as I tiptoed toward the stairs with Dante in my arms. I reached the bottom of the stairs to find that living room was empty and the kitche
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-04-16
Chapter: One WeekARYA’S POVThe car ride back was silent except for Dante's soft breathing. I kept my head down, my body language was defeated.It wasn't hard to fake. I was defeated and trapped.But beneath the fear, a plan was forming.Marco wanted docile? I would give him docile. I would be so compliant and sweet that he would stop watching me so closely. And then… when he let his guard down for just a moment, I would find a way out.I had to. For Dante’s sake. "I'm sorry," I said quietly as we pulled into the parking garage.Marco glanced at me in the rearview mirror. "What?""For almost… for what I almost did at the hospital." The words tasted like ash, but I forced them out. "You're right. You've been taking care of us. I shouldn't have and I'm sorry."He was silent for a moment, possibly surprised. "I know you are." His voice was softer. "I know you're just scared and confused. But you'll understand eventually. This is all for your own good."I nodded, keeping my eyes downcast.We parked an
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-04-15
Chapter: A FailureARYA’S POVIn the elevator, I held Dante close and tried not to think about how easily Marco lied. How convincing he was as the concerned husband and father.I tried very hard not to think about how trapped I was.We managed to find the pediatric wing and walked into the office. Dr. Lombardi was a kind-looking man in his fifties with gentle hands and a warm smile."And who is this little one?" he asked, gesturing to Dante."This is Dante," I said quietly. "He's been running a fever since this morning. He's crying more than usual, barely eating and… I don’t know what to do."He smiled softly, like he understood my struggle and my shoulders relaxed. "Let's take a look." He took Dante carefully, his hands checking his temperature, examining ears, throat, and listening to his chest. "How old is he?"I provided automatically. "Four weeks.""And has he had any other symptoms?” He asked, looking up to stare at me. “Difficulty breathing? Unusual discharge?"I answered his questions while Ma
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-04-13
Chapter: Too Good An ActorARYA’S POV"Shh, baby, please. Please stop crying."Dante's wails filled the small bedroom, piercing and desperate. I rocked him gently, pressing my hand to his forehead for the hundredth time in the past hour.It was still burning hot."I know you don't feel good, sweet boy. I know." My voice cracked with exhaustion and fear. "I'm so sorry. I don't know how to help you."He has been fussy all morning, but in the last few hours, it had escalated to inconsolable screaming. His tiny face was flushed red, his body radiating heat that terrified me.This wasn't normal fussiness. Something was definitely wrong and I suspected it was high fever.Another part of me suspected that it was because he was cooped up in this room with no fresh air or sunlight. Another piercing wail broke through my train of thoughts and I jumped, gently bouncing him on my arm. "Please, Dante.” I whispered, my heart tightening painfully. “Please, I don’t know what to do."The lock on the door clicked, and I immed
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-04-12
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